Poland explains why Russia was not invited to World War II anniversary
No Russian representatives were invited to the commemorative events in Poland on the 80th anniversary of the start of World War II due to Russia’s disinterest in maintaining the “spirit of historical truth”, Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Szymon Szynkowski vel Sęk told the Maryja radio station in an interview.
He noted that Poland invited representatives of the EU, NATO and the Eastern Partnership, which includes Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. Russia, however, is not a member of any of these associations.
The diplomat pointed out that Russian President Vladimir Putin was invited to the commemorative event ten years ago, and that US President Donald Trump was invited this year. The deputy minister said that such a decision constituted a “change in the approach to historical matters”.
He described Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to Warsaw on Saturday as “a historical truth”.
“The more truth and historical integrity there is in the presidents’ statements, the better,” the Polish deputy foreign minister concluded.